Written by Nikhila HenryHyderabad | October 3, 2025 04:49 PM IST 2 min readAIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, however, also said that those who put posters should remain within the ambit of law. (PTI Photo)It’s possible to say “I love Modi” in the country but not “I love Muhammed”, Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi said Thursday.Owaisi, who was speaking at a public event in Hyderabad, said: “The laws are so designed that it is possible to shower praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but not on the Prophet, Muhammad”.He was referring to the clashes that broke out in Bareilly on September 26 after police stopped people carrying “I Love Muhammad” placards from assembling post Friday prayers. While most dispersed, some in the crowd allegedly hurled stones, raised slogans, and opened fire.Over 80 people have been held over the violence – including Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Khan and some associates who were injured in alleged police shootouts.Still speaking about the row, Owaisi said: “A case related to the Sambhal mosque is ongoing. Our mosques are being snatched away…In this country, one can say ‘I love Modi’ but not ‘I love Muhammad’. Where are you taking this nation? If someone says ‘I love Modi’, and erect posters, everyone becomes happy. But if someone says ‘I love Mohammad’, then that is objected to,” Owaisi said.He’s Muslim “because of Muhammad”, he said. “What do you want to do? There is nothing above and beyond that (Muhammad) for the 17 crore Indians who participated in the country’s independence. We condemn violence. But it should not be that you are condemning those who uphold the Nabi’s (Prophet) name,” Owaisi said, adding: “I am seeing videos where police are lathi charging and there are people showering flower petals on the police. Who are these people?”.Owaisi, however, also said that those who put posters should remain within the ambit of law. “I have to tell those who put up I love Muhammed posters, that you have to respect the posters if you put them up. It was the prophet who was first named Muhammed, he said. “We should not oppose the law, youngsters. Whatever happens we should be within the ambit of the law.”Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Asaduddin Owaisi